Job Description

Ko te take ka parekareka e koe ki te mahi ki kōnei | Why you will enjoy working here

Downer is committed to delivering excellence by ensuring our people have the environment and the means to be successful. We offer:

• Competitive salary package + Company vehicle

• Relocation costs available

• Free access to Marram health care benefits and discounted holiday homes

• Progression and development programs on offer including our inspiring leader’s programme for top performers

Have a look at our other great benefits here!

Te kōwhiringa | The Opportunity

We are looking for an experienced Construction Operations Manager to join our Transport & Infrastructure team in Whanganui. This is a key leadership role responsible for driving the successful delivery of construction projects across the region while supporting the Regional Construction Manager in shaping and executing the Manawatu- Whanganui regional Construction strategy.

You will lead the operational delivery of construction works across the Whanganui area, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. You will play a critical role in strengthening client relationships, building team capability, and ensuring projects are delivered in line with our governance and operational standards.

This is a highly influential role that combines strategic leadership, operational excellence, commercial acumen, and people leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive best-practice delivery of physical works across all construction activities

• Align operational delivery with long-term strategic objectives, helping shape our future business

• Lead a multidisciplinary team including Contract Managers, Engineers, Supervisors and frontline teams. Mentor, coach and develop capability

• Oversee tendering, planning, estimating, and execution of complex civil construction projects

• Maintain and strengthen key relationships with local authorities, NZTA, subcontractors, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.

• Champion a culture of Zero Harm and ensure all work complies with company and industry safety, quality, and environmental standards

Nga pūkenga matua | Important Skills

We are looking for a strong operational leader who thrives in a fast-paced construction environment and is passionate about building high performing teams and delivering outstanding project outcomes.

Ideally, you’ll have:

• Proven senior leadership experience in civil construction, Infrastructure, Roading

• Tertiary qualification in Civil Engineering or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)

• Existing knowledge of the local construction market and industry contracts to fast-track growth and partnership opportunities

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple large-scale contracts from tender to delivery

• Strong commercial acumen with a focus on cost control, programme management, and contract margins

• Experience working within a Tier 1 civil contractor or similar large-scale environment

• Skilled in building high-performing, engaged teams and leading cross-functional project teams

Ko wai mātou | Our Organisation

Want to know more about what it is like to work at Downer? Then head to our People Site here!

Me pēhea ki te tono | How to apply

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, click Apply Now to submit your application! The reference number for this role is 730246

We are committed to a safe working environment for everyone - all successful applicants will be required to undertake a pre-employment drug test, medical and a Ministry of Justice check prior to starting employment. If you need support with this requirement, please talk to our team.

At Downer we plan, create and sustain. Downer is the leading provider of integrated services in Australia and New Zealand. Through trusted relationships and world leading insight we work closely with our customers to design, build and sustain assets, infrastructure, and facilities.